Top Tools & Guides

Two-Legged Dog's Day at the Beach Video Inspires All, Goes Viral

3 min read

By Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell April 03, 2014 at 06:31PM

The inspirational viral video of a 2-legged Boxer’s first trip to the beach is further proof that you can’t keep a good dog down.

The video titled “Two Legged Boxer Duncan Lou Who - First Trip to the Beach” shows Duncan Lou Who running, playing and doing almost anything any other dog would do at the beach. The video has more than 3 million views.

The video description says that Duncan Lou Who was rescued by Panda Paws Rescue, an organization that specializes in helping animals with major medical issues, special needs or those that need hospice care.

“Duncan was born with severely deformed rear legs that had to be removed. He has a wheel chair, but can't stand to use it,” the text with the video reads. “So we let him be free and just walk on his two legs. There is some slow motion in this video, but NONE of the video has been sped up, this gives you an idea of how fast Duncan really (is).”

Keith Wiedenkeller, president and CEO of the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, hasn’t met Duncan, but his organization is currently working with Rocky, an adorable pit bull that had to have his leg amputated after a severe injury.

“With a dog that is missing a limb or two, there would be initial limitations,” Wiedenkeller said . “But it really doesn’t surprise me a lot that the dog has figured out how to adapt to his situation.”

Wiedenkeller said that although the limitations of a dog missing limbs seem insurmountable at first, they are typically very determined and resilient. Especially, he added, if there are good people working with them and helping them through the process.

Wiedenkeller said Duncan may have been helped using a harness, as they have done with Rocky, to help him learn to work with the limbs he has while he builds his body strength.

Duncan seems underweight, an issue that the rescue addresses: "He is lean, yes. He is a Boxer puppy who is missing almost a 1/4 of his body and uses twice the energy of a 4 legged dog. The rear half of his body has atrophied as well, from lack of use. He is on the best possible diet and his weight is monitored."

The rescue also writes that the biggest concern for Duncan is monitoring his organ growth, to make sure they aren’t outgrowing the body he has.

In the meantime, Duncan inspires people from dog and animal lovers to others with disabilities.

“The world would be a much sadder place without Duncan Lou Who. It just goes to show how from adversity comes opportunity. He is such a beautiful and happy boxer,” YouTube viewer John Brooks commented.

Editor’s Note: Photo of Duncan Lou Who playing with pal, Emmie, at home CREDIT: Panda Paws Facebook page.